Cosmetic surgery is considered to be any type of surgery related to your appearance. In many cases cosmetic surgery is voluntary, such as in the case of a liposuction procedure, breast augmentation of rhinoplasty. In some case, however, cosmetic surgery is reconstructive or corrective. For example a breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, or a rhinoplasty to correct a deviated septum would be considered cosmetic, but may have deeper emotional or physiological benefits.
Cosmetic surgery malpractice or plastic surgery malpractice is not uncommon. Because of the growth of the cosmetic surgery industry and its publicity through television shows like “Extreme Makeover” and “The Swan” many people who had not considered cosmetic surgery before are opting for procedures. Sadly, many patients remain uninformed about the qualifications they should be looking for and the warning signs that indicate a poor physician and a risky procedure. As a result, many patients walk away unhappy with their results, and in some cases gravely ill because of plastic surgery malpractice or cosmetic surgery malpractice.
For example, a plastic surgeon who cannot produce certification for a specific state may be hiding the fact that he or she has no certification at all since it is a nationwide Federal exam and is valid nationwide. Every cosmetic surgeon should be certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS) and facial plastic surgeons should be certified with the ABPS and the American Board of Otolaryngology. Additionally, if a plastic surgeon avoids discussing risk factors of various procedures, does not have proper resuscitation equipment in his or her office and does not address a plan of action in case of issues during the surgery, you may want to consider seeking a different physician. Remember that just because a physician is personable and seems competent does not mean that they are.
Cosmetic surgery, like any surgery involving anesthesia, can be dangerous. First, there is the danger of a bad reaction to anesthesia including a drop in heart rate and a drop in blood pressure. Additionally, each cosmetic surgery procedure can pose different risks. For example, liposuction runs risks of skin and subcutaneous infection, organ perforation and internal bleeding while breast augmentation has led to problems with infection, implant malfunction and improper implant placement. Facial surgeries by surgeons who are not properly certified can lead to sinus collapse and facial deformity.
If you have been a victim of cosmetic surgery malpractice, you can seek compensation and redress from the physician who injured you. You should seek the advice of a qualified plastic surgery malpractice attorney or cosmetic surgery malpractice attorney, after healing from your first surgery, if there has been a problem. Do not return to the same physician for re-operation unless you have been advised by your counsel to do so.
Proving medical malpractice or product liability can be complex and highly technical so you need to contact a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgery malpractice attorney to make sure your case is handled properly. If you have been injured, disfigured or made ill by cosmetic surgery malpractice, you should seek compensation and make sure you are cared for.